How to Scrap Old Appliances: Fridges, Washers & Dryers
Old appliances are mostly steel, with valuable copper in their motors and compressors and some aluminum and stainless. Washers, dryers and stoves can be scrapped directly, but refrigerators, freezers and AC units must have their refrigerant removed by an EPA-certified technician before disposal (EPA Section 608). Scrap City accepts appliances and offers pickup for heavy items across South Florida.
Replacing a fridge or a washer leaves you with a heavy hunk of metal that is worth money and should not go to landfill. Steel is the most recycled material by weight in North America, and large appliances — “white goods” — are a major source. The one catch is that some appliances contain refrigerant and other regulated parts, so a little prep keeps you both legal and safe.
What metal is inside old appliances?
Appliances are mostly steel by weight, plus valuable copper in their electric motors, compressors and wiring, and some aluminum and stainless steel. In a washing machine the copper is in the motor and the drum is often stainless; in a dryer it is the motor and wiring; in a refrigerator it is the compressor and the copper lines (Rockaway Recycling).
| Appliance | Main metals | Where the value is |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator / freezer | Steel + copper + aluminum | Compressor & copper lines (refrigerant out first) |
| Washing machine | Steel + copper + stainless | Copper motor & stainless drum |
| Dryer | Steel + copper | Copper motor & wiring |
| Stove / oven | Steel + copper + brass | Wiring & brass gas valves |
| Dishwasher | Steel + stainless + copper | Copper motor & stainless tub |
Refrigerators & freezers — refrigerant comes out first (EPA)
A refrigerator, freezer, window AC unit or dehumidifier cannot simply be scrapped whole. Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, the refrigerant must be recovered by a certified technician before the appliance is disposed of, and the final handler in the disposal chain must verify recovery — typically with a signed statement that is kept on file (EPA). Reputable yards will not take a sealed unit that still contains refrigerant. Many recyclers can recover it for you or accept a unit that comes with a recovery certificate, so always ask first.
Other parts to handle with care
Older appliances can contain regulated components — mercury switches, PCB-containing capacitors, used oil in compressors, and foam insulation — which is why the EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program exists to make sure they are handled properly (EPA RAD). Newer units are much cleaner, but when in doubt, use a recycler that follows RAD practices rather than dumping the unit.
How much are old appliances worth?
Most of an appliance’s value is steel, paid by weight, plus a premium for the copper motor or compressor and any stainless. Pulling the electric motor or compressor and selling the copper separately earns more than scrapping the whole unit, but whole-unit drop-off or pickup is faster and still pays you for the steel. If you are clearing several units, the copper adds up quickly.
PRICE ESTIMATE — NOT A QUOTE. Appliance scrap value depends on weight, the copper and stainless recovered, and daily metal markets. Any figures are sector estimates, not an offer. Contact Scrap City for today’s price.
How to scrap an appliance, step by step (HowTo schema)
- For any refrigerator, freezer, AC unit or dehumidifier, have the refrigerant recovered by a certified technician first (EPA Section 608).
- Disconnect and empty the appliance — remove food, water, hoses and loose shelves.
- Decide your approach: drop off or have the whole unit picked up, or strip the copper motor/compressor and stainless for a higher return.
- Separate easy non-metal parts (glass shelves, plastic tubs) where practical.
- Bring it to the yard, or schedule pickup for heavy items.
Bulk pickup for heavy appliances in South Florida
Appliances are heavy and awkward to move. Scrap City offers pickup for bulky items across Broward and Palm Beach from its Pompano Beach and Delray Beach yards, so a garage full of old white goods becomes one scheduled stop instead of several trips. Electronics and small appliances can go too — see /sell-electronics/ and /pickup-service/.
Scrapping appliances: common questions
How do I scrap old appliances like fridges, washers and dryers?
Washers, dryers and stoves can be scrapped directly; fridges, freezers and AC units need refrigerant removed by a certified technician first (EPA). Scrap City accepts appliances and offers pickup.
Can I scrap a refrigerator with the Freon still in it?
No. EPA Section 608 requires refrigerant to be recovered by a certified technician before disposal, and yards will not take a sealed unit that still contains it.
What is the most valuable part of an appliance?
The copper — the electric motor or compressor and the wiring — followed by any stainless steel. The steel body is paid by weight.
Is it worth taking the appliance apart?
Pulling the copper motor or compressor and the stainless earns more per pound, but whole-unit drop-off or pickup is faster and still pays for the steel.
Do you pick up heavy appliances?
Yes — ask Scrap City about pickup for bulky items across South Florida.
Clearing out old appliances? Have any refrigerant removed first, then call or message Scrap City at (+1) 954 330 9472 to drop off or schedule pickup in Pompano Beach or Delray Beach.
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